Earlier this month, U.S. News and World Reports released that Jacksonville was Named a Top Place to Live on their annual 2023-2024 Best Places to Live report. Coming in at #16, Jacksonville moved up from 24th on the 2022-2023 list. After looking into 150 different communities the authors used a mix of Quality of Life, Value, Desirability and Job Markets to rank the cities and towns. Information on the methodology can be found here. The criteria did change slightly from last year with prior year methodology available alongside this year’s for comparison purposes.
Multiple Rankings for Jacksonville
In addition to the primary ranking, additional rankings include #35 in Best Places to Retire, #4 in Best Places to Live in Florida along with #17 in Fastest-Growing Places. The Best Places to retire designation is a second of this nature this year. Forbes also included Jacksonville in their Top 25 Best Places to retire which I summarized here. What all of these accolades say to me is that the data shows what we already know – Jacksonville deserves to be counted among the best places to live.
So Much To Do
The authors also took note of the wealth of activities available to us in Jacksonville, from outdoor activities (hello beaches, golf, camping, hiking and cycling) to restaurants, fine and performing arts opportunities to sporting events (Jacksonville Icemen, Jumbo Shrimp, Armada FC and Jacksonville Jaguars). This should come as no surprise to locals as the weather makes the perfect backdrop for year-round activities
What Does it Cost?
Looking to 2021 data, the findings show Jacksonville coming in with median housing costs of $348,852 compared to a national average of $365,616. This net the Bold City a score of 6.3/10. Jacksonville mirrors national trends in the rise of housing costs over time – yet always stays below national averages (looking back to 2014).
What About the Weather?
Weather is an important consideration for anyone considering a move and Jacksonville does not disappoint. Average season temperatures range from a low of 56.7 degrees in Winter to 82.2 degrees in Summer. Being in a subtropical climate, it should come as no surprise that our summer months represent our rainy season (average seasonal rainfall in Summer is 6.3″). The weather here tends to follow Mark Twain’s adage of “If you don’t like the weather wait a minute – it is bound to change.” From quick summer thunderstorms, to interspersed 70-80 degree days in Winter – the weather aims to please.
What Else Contributed to Jacksonville being Named a Best Place to Live?
Average commute times (Jacksonville comes in at 0.4 minutes < the national average), population demographics (on trend with national averages with notes of being popular with retirees) and schools were all reviewed.
Economically Speaking:
The job market index was rated 6.2/10 with a notation that the market is healthier than similar sized metro areas. While the average annual salary falls a bit short of the national average ($51,910 vs. $58,260) the unemployment rate is lower (6.3% to a national 8.7% average). The chart shows that in general, Jacksonville has been in lockstep with national trends on unemployment. However since mid/late 2015 – 2016 Jacksonville has trended lower than the national average.
Schools and Their Impact
With 67 public schools within city limits and 154 private schools – Jacksonville is a large school district. The authors do indicate that 34 of the high schools are recognized on their Best High School Rankings report. At 7/10, Jacksonville offers a higher score than similarly sized metro areas.
Crime Stats Reviewed
The crime index stated is at 8.6/10 and looks to 2020 statistics. Here the authors do offer and indicate this is lower than the national rate for the same time period. Property crime falls below the national level as well. Further, both violent and property crimes appear to be trending lower in the charts offered.
With solid metrics in key measurable areas, it’s easy to see how Jacksonville’s named among the Best Places to Live. These types of rankings are important to both residents and prospective residents alike. For existing residents – these ratings serve as validation and show others what we know about the area we call home. I find neutral data, comparing metro areas across the U.S. a solid way to show what makes Jacksonville great. If you are thinking about a move to Jacksonville or would like to discuss the surrounding areas, please reach out.